Success StorySaving the Environment one Pesticide Container at a Time



Saving the Environment one Pesticide Container at a Time

Author: Matthew Adams

Planning Unit: Hardin County CES

Major Program: Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests

Plan of Work: Agricultural Integrated Pest Management

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Pesticide usage is a necessary part of modern conventional agriculture. One issue with pesticide use that most don’t think of is the amount of used plastic containers in which the pesticides are purchased in. A resurgence in use of these smaller containers has also come due to herbicide resistance issues promoting farmers to use different chemicals that are used at lower rates. Many of these containers will have very small traces of pesticides left on the inside of the containers, making them unsuitable for burning or disposal in a landfill. In August 2017, the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service, along with Hardin County Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, conducted their annual “Rinse and Return” Program, where over 16 farms from Hardin County, along with 3 farm supply stores, representing over 40,000 acres of farmland, returned triple rinsed pesticide containers to a collection point at the Hardin County Road Department Garage. From there, the containers were baled, and loaded on a truck, where they were then ground and recycled into plastic fencing material or used to make more pesticide containers. Local farmers are very appreciative of our efforts and many stated that they would gladly recycle containers through our program rather than find other avenues for disposal of these containers. Proper disposal of these containers are vital to insure protection of our county’s clean water supply.






Stories by Matthew Adams


Hay Contest Showcases Quality

about 2 years ago by Matthew Adams

During the summer of 2021, Hardin County held their first Hay Contest in conjunction with the local ... Read More


Hardin County Becomes Hub for Tornado Relief

about 2 years ago by Matthew Adams

After the devastating tornados that wrecked havoc across much of Kentucky in December 2021, the Hard... Read More


Stories by Hardin County CES


“Preparing Families for Holiday Spending thru the Use of Technology & Videos”

“Preparing Families for Holiday Spending thru the Use of Technology & Videos”

about 2 years ago by Chandra DeRamus

Success Story | December 2021Chandra DeRamus“Preparing Families for Holiday Spending thru the Use of... Read More


Empowering Youth Toward’s Tomorrow’s Future thru Life Skills Programs-March 2022

Empowering Youth Toward’s Tomorrow’s Future thru Life Skills Programs-March 2022

about 2 years ago by Chandra DeRamus

March 2022Over the last year the state of Kentucky has seen some changes in how things are done with... Read More